Everything started 20 years ago from the idea which seemed utopian at first glance! In 1995, against the background of harsh social and political conditions, several people’s idea became reality and a higher educational institution was founded in Georgia, which became one of the leading universities within the next ten years. The quality of academic staff was gradually improving, the number of faculties was increasing, and the infrastructure was developing. Consequently, these led to an increase in student number. In 2005-2007 the university was granted the status of the accredited institution. In 2012 all university programmes successfully passed authorization and accreditation for the period of five years and it gained the status of higher education institution-university, i.e. the three-cycle higher education system has been implemented at the university (CIU) and the vacancies have been defined by 3500 students.

By the decision of the Authorization Council of National Centre for Educational Quality Enhancement made on 14 July 2015 Caucasus International University application has been approved and in accordance to the decision of the council, the number of university students has been defined by 4700. CIU offers Bachelor, One-step (in Georgian, English, and Russian), Master and Doctoral programmes. Despite the fact that there are a number of universities of international standard in our country, there was still a demand for creating a university of western standards; Caucasus International University set this goal; five faculties have been introduced. They are distinguished by high-qualified academic staff and scientific-research centers which meet modern, international standards.

Georgia is rich in water resources. However, they are scattered on the territory of the country. Most of the rivers of East Georgia create Mtkhvari system and flow into the Caspian Sea. West Georgia is richer in water resources. The vast majority of rivers converge with the Black Sea. Furthermore, there are more than 850 lakes in Georgia. Their common territory is approximately 170 sq.km.

CIU offers the following faculties:

• Faculty of Business
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Social Sciences
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculties of Viticulture-Winemaking and Agricultural Technology

A number of changes have taken place since the establishment of the university. The various scholarly novelty has been introduced, existing structures and departments have been developed. The University has constantly been striving to improve and refine the teaching process as well as its management. For years, one of the priorities of the university has been the students’ employment programmes. During studying process emphasis is placed on developing students’ professional skills and obtaining profound knowledge in their field.

CIU constantly seeks collaboration with universities which will enable students and academic staff to familiarize with the commercial and cultural sides of partners’ business activities; in addition, successful students are given an opportunity to pursue their studies abroad at partner universities. In 2012-2013 a new building was constructed which fully meets modern standards. Classes of European standard, a big library, cafeteria, sports halls and a garden create the best teaching environment. In order to prepare qualified professionals, CIU constantly improves teaching methods and adapts programmes; new educational programmes and courses have been introduced, research and teaching laboratories have been established. The above mentioned served as the basis for the approval of CIU educational programmes and its engagement in European educational system. Modern technologies that are available at the university make it possible to organize video-conferences, introduce distance learning and contact different educational and scientific centers.

In order to improve teaching quality, the university focuses on students’ feedback. They are actively involved in the assessment of the academic process.

Library equipped with electronic technologies and contemporary literature facilitates students’ professional development. The university has established contacts with international organizations in Georgia, state institutions, and private companies. Within the frameworks of the programme “Invited Guest” students have an opportunity to meet representatives from political, business and non-governmental sectors. Students are given complete freedom to choose their learning and research spheres. They have created self-government. With the participation of the academic staff and students, the university defines its teaching and research priorities.